The Salem district police has denied permission for observing the death anniversary of forest brigand Veerappan by his family members and supporters at his memorial in Moolakkadu village, near Mettur.
Veerappan and his associate Sethukuli Govindan were killed by the Special Task Force (STF) personnel at Paadi village in Dharmapuri district on October 18, 2004. His body was buried at the Moolakkadi burial ground.
Since then, his family members led by his wife Muthulakshmi and other relatives, members of some Tamil movements have been observing the death anniversary at his memorial. On the occasion, an annadhanam is generally organised at the venue.
For the 13th death anniversary of Veerappan, which falls on Wednesday, Ms. Muthulakshmi forwarded petitions to the Kolathur Police and to the office of the Deputy Superintendent of Police, Mettur, seeking permission for observing the anniversary and putting up a shamiana at the venue, police sources said.
However, the office of the Deputy Superintendent of Police, Mettur, has denied permission for the event.
Following this, Ms.Muthulakshmi has approached the Madras High Court seeking direction to the police to hold the ceremony, the sources added.
